Reidite is a high-pressure polymorph of zircon, formed exclusively under the extreme pressures generated by meteorite impacts. It is typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within shocked zircon crystals, making it a crucial mineral for planetary scientists studying impact events.
Is this reidite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch reidite with a known reference. Reidite sits at Mohs 7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reidite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reidite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Reidite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reidite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reidite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZrSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Impact Melt Breccia
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity
Where rockhounds find reidite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chesapeake Bay impact crater, USA
- Ries crater, Germany
- Xiuyan crater, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in impact melt breccia country — that is the host setting where reidite typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, coesite, stishovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find reidite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
